Hibiscus (Roselle) (Hibiscus sabdariffa)             (Hibiscus Flores, Flor de Jamaica, Red Drops )

Family: Malvaceae

Tropical perennial grown as an annual in temperate climates.  The papery blooms give way to the bright red, fleshy calyces, which may be made into jelly, syrup or wine.  Dried, the calyces are widely used in herbal teas, imparting a bright red color and a tart flavor.  The dried leaves are also good in tea.  Medicinal uses are myriad, ranging from tummy ache to tuberculosis.  The plant prefers full sun and fertile, fast-draining soils.  The seeds should be started early in the greenhouse and transplanted out after frost.  We found these to be a very reasonable crop for our mountainous and temperate zone 6.  The calyces developed early on squat plants and we had plenty of time to dry a store for later use. 
30 seeds/pkt $3.95, Organic